Unlock Istanbul's untold stories and rich history on this exclusive National Geographic Day Tour. Beyond the iconic Blue Mosque and Hagia Sophia lies a world of Byzantine wonders, the precursors to the mighty Ottoman Empire. On this tour, you will discover these hidden gems, showcasing the grandeur and innovation of the Byzantine era, setting the stage for centuries of history to come.
Your day starts at the Zeyrek Mosque, formerly the Monastery of Christ Pantokrator, a living testament to Byzantine splendour. Guided by a National Geographic-trained guide with an expertise in architecture, you'll delve into its profound significance and explore the controversies that shroud its restoration.
As the tour unfolds, visit the Valens Aqueduct, an ancient token of the Byzantines' progressive water systems and their ties to the wider Roman Empire. Learn how, in its time, the Byzantine Empire was known as the 'Eastern Roman Empire.'
Next, discover the remains of the Church of St. Polyeuctus, once the grandest church in the city, now a haunting relic of the past. At the Great Palace Mosaics Museum, prepare to be enchanted by intricate Byzantine mosaics, connecting you to the city's artistic legacy. The tour comes to an end at the remarkable Basilica Cistern, a symbol of architectural brilliance that transcended empires.
Nat Geo Day Tour: Istanbul's Hidden Byzantine Relics
This experience meets the Global Sustainable Tourism Council criteria. By choosing this experience you can protect the places you love, care for the environment and support local communities.
- Delve into concealed history, a city steeped in the legacies of the Byzantine and Ottoman Empires. Beyond the famous landmarks, discover lesser-known architectural gems that shaped these formidable realms.
- Learn from a National Geographic-trained guide specializing in architecture. Gain insights into the historical and architectural significance of each site.
- Witness the transformation of the Monastery of Christ Pantokrator into the Zeyrek Mosque, a symbol of Byzantine grandeur.
- Marvel at the Valens Aqueduct, a fascinating testament to the Byzantines' advanced water systems and their connections to the wider world.
- Step into a world of Byzantine brilliance as you explore the Great Palace Mosaics Museum, a hidden treasure trove of intricate masterpieces.
- Visit the wondrous Basilica Cistern, where the echoes of the Roman Empire meet the artistry of the Ottoman Empire.
Entrance fees
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Guided tour
Entrance fees
Hotel pick-up/drop-off
Hotel pick-up/drop-off
Kılıçali Paşa, Gümrük Muhafaza Kısım Amirliği No:5, 34433 Beyoğlu/İstanbul, Türkiye
Not allowed:
- children under 7 years of age
Know in advance:
- on the bus, you will pass by the remains of the Church of St. Polyeuctus, but please note that the area is now closed off for excavation
- this tour can host ma. 20 people
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